The Lee Family Digital Archive is the largest online source for primary source materials concerning the Lee family of Virginia. It contains published and unpublished items, some well known to historians, others that are rare or have never before been put online. We are always looking for new letters, diaries, and books to add to our website. Do you have a rare item that you would like to donate or share with us? If so, please contact our editor, Colin Woodward, at (804) 493-1940, about how you can contribute to this historic project.

Lee Family Digital Archive

John Carroll Brent, Esq.

Washington City D.C.

Fort Hamilton, N. Y.

2 April 1843

Sir

I did not receive your very kind letter of the 24 Ultimo until last night. I truly appreciate the motives which prompted you to preserve for some member of the family, the watch of my brother Major Henry Lee, & I am glad to have it in my power to enable you to secure the accomplishment of your friendly purpose.

I Accordingly enclose you the Amount named for its redemption. Please place the watch in the hands of Major Wm. B. Lewis to await my order.

I have not seen my brother Carter for more than a year. As he has not remained long at any one place during that time, it is possible your letter has never reached him. He is now in the lower part of VA: & is expected in the District about the middle of this month.

With grateful recollections of your attention to my diseased brother & regard for his family I remain

Very truly your obtsevt,

R. E. Lee

P. S. I should not be able to obtain a draft on Washington until I could get to N. York. I therefore am obliged to enclose you.

Three notes of the Bank of Virginia at Fredericksburg, A. 2794

A. 3531

B. 2229 for $10 each = $30.

One note of the Farmers Bank of VA: at Freds--burg, M. 905 for $10 each = $10.

One note of the Bank of the Valley in VA. at Leesburg, C. 820 for $10 each = $10